Intern on Environmental Governance

Job Posting Organization:
The United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP) is the designated entity within the United Nations system that addresses environmental issues at both global and regional levels. Established to coordinate the development of environmental policy consensus, UNEP plays a crucial role in keeping the global environment under review and bringing emerging issues to the attention of governments and the international community for action. The Latin America and the Caribbean Office, located in Panama City, Panama, collaborates closely with 33 countries in the region, including 16 small island developing states, serving a population of approximately 650 million people. UNEP's activities are integrated into the work programs approved by the United Nations Environment Assembly (UNEA), with a mission to strengthen environmental governance in the region and support the achievement of internationally agreed environmental goals, contributing to the implementation of the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development and the Samoa Pathway.

Job Overview:
The internship-position" style="border-bottom: 1px dotted #007bff !important;">internship position at UNEP focuses on environmental governance, specifically within the Latin America and the Caribbean region. The intern will work under the supervision of the Legal Officer from the Law Division at UNEP LACO for a period of six months. This is an unpaid, full-time internship requiring a commitment of 40 hours per week, from Monday to Friday. The intern will engage in various tasks aimed at supporting countries in developing and revising environmental legislation, conducting legal research on international environmental and human rights law, and assisting in the implementation of the Escazú Agreement, which promotes environmental democracy in the region. The role is designed to enhance the intern's understanding of environmental law and governance while contributing to UNEP's mission of strengthening legal frameworks and institutional capacities in the region.

Duties and Responsibilities:
The intern will be responsible for a wide range of tasks, including: assisting countries in developing or revising environmental legislation through research and analysis; conducting legal research on international environmental and human rights law; providing targeted legal support for the implementation of the Escazú Agreement; organizing initiatives and activities related to environmental human rights defenders; supporting UNEP's roles under the fifth Montevideo Programme for the Development and Periodic Review of Environmental Law; developing regional model laws on key environmental issues; preparing written summaries and oral presentations of research findings; contributing to the finalization of key publications on environmental law; organizing training events, meetings, and workshops; and supporting the production of communication materials. The intern's contributions will enhance UNEP's environmental governance and law program in the region.

Required Qualifications:
Applicants must meet one of the following requirements at the time of application: be enrolled in a master's degree program in Legal Affairs, Law, International Law, or International Environmental Law; be in the final academic year of a Bachelor's degree program in Law or Legal Affairs; or have graduated with a university degree in the aforementioned fields. Knowledge of critical environmental issues in the Latin American and Caribbean region is desirable. While no prior professional experience is required, candidates are encouraged to demonstrate relevant academic background or coursework that aligns with the internship's focus on environmental law and governance.

Educational Background:
Candidates should have a strong academic background in Legal Affairs, Law, International Law, or International Environmental Law. Enrollment in a master's program or completion of a bachelor's degree in these fields is essential. Relevant coursework, academic projects, or research assignments that highlight the candidate's ability to work effectively in environmental law and governance will be beneficial.

Experience:
No prior professional experience is required for this internship. However, candidates should demonstrate relevant academic background or coursework that aligns with the internship's focus on environmental law and governance. This may include academic projects, research assignments, or coursework that showcases their ability to engage with environmental legal issues.

Languages:
Fluency in both oral and written English and Spanish is required, as the internship will involve research and communication in both languages. Knowledge of another official UN language is desirable, which could enhance the candidate's ability to engage with diverse stakeholders and resources.

Additional Notes:
The internship is unpaid, and candidates are responsible for their own travel, visa, accommodation, and living expenses. Interns who are not citizens or permanent residents of Panama may need to obtain the appropriate visa and work authorization. Candidates should discuss their specific visa requirements before accepting the internship offer. The United Nations does not charge any fees at any stage of the recruitment process, and applicants should be cautious of any requests for personal financial information.